RallyCap Sports OU helps those with disabilities play sports
Photo courtesy of: RallyCap Sports OURallyCap Sports OU basketball participants at the year-end trophy ceremony
This year, Jake Brahney, chose to start a fundraiser for the 91视频 chapter of RallyCap Sports in lieu of receiving birthday gifts. The organization works to provide sport programs for children and young adults with special needs.
Brahney鈥檚 goal was surpassed within the first several days of his fundraiser. By the fifth day, he had more than doubled his goal. Brahney鈥檚 fundraiser began on July 20 and ended Aug. 4, his birthday. In two weeks, he raised over $700 in funds toward the OHIO chapter.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 have a family member with a disability, I just love the organization,鈥 said Brahney. 鈥淚 grew up around sports and love the opportunities I was given. I just feel everyone should have that opportunity.鈥
This will be the OHIO chapter鈥檚 third year. The organization does not have an age cap, offering the program to anyone seven years old and up with any type of disability. Participation is not limited to the Athens area, anyone willing to make the drive may attend the program. Local residents may take bus transportation to the Athens Community Center, where all games are held.
Brahney chose this nonprofit because their mission means a great deal to him. He regularly volunteers at his local chapter in New Jersey, but has a cousin who volunteers and attends at OHIO.
鈥淚 just felt like I鈥檝e donated time and money here in Jersey, but it made sense to me to share the wealth with another area,鈥 said Brahney. 鈥淭here are kids all over the country that deserve this opportunity.鈥
Julie Koehler, the director of OHIO RallyCap chapter has been with the program since her first semester at OHIO. She is now a junior majoring in exercise physiology.
鈥淛ake鈥檚 donation is awesome and will help get RallyCap at OU more known,鈥 said Koehler. Also, it will bring more kids and volunteers. He will really help make an impact.鈥
RallyCap Sports OU is an expansion chapter run by 91视频 student volunteers. The OHIO chapter began fall semester 2016. RallyCap Sports They believe people with special needs should be able to play sports just like everyone else.
鈥淚 wanted to join because I love kids and like making a difference in people鈥檚 lives,鈥 said Koehler.
RallyCap Sports National鈥檚 mission is to create a positive sports environments fostering social integration, healthy living, and greater self-confidence for children and young adults with special needs.
鈥淚t鈥檚 so incredibly generous that he thought of us,鈥 said Lily Alten, operations director of the RallyCap Sports National. 鈥淲e thank Jake for organizing the fundraiser and his family and friends who donated to our chapter. The donation will cover adaptive sports equipment and trophies for the entire year.鈥
The OHIO chapter gives out trophies at the end of each four-week session in the fall and spring. The group provides soccer and basketball, but is exploring other options for future seasons. The fall season kickoff with be held mid-September with practice and games starting in October.
Those interested in participating should visit .
Photo courtesy of: RallyCap Sports NationalSome of the sports participants play soccer